Spot the latest talent this week at the Ludlow Assembly Rooms

Off to the Forbidden Planet or off to RADA?  Jack Purkis, currently studying English Literature, Drama and Theatre Studies and Media Studies at Ludlow College, explains.  He is, for this week only, to be found treading the boards at the Ludlow Assembly Rooms as he undertakes the role of Prospero in this year’s college production of Return to the Forbidden Planet, which is based on The Tempest.  ‘There is a lot of pressure to take Return to the Forbidden Planet to the same high standard as last year’s production,’ he says.  Last year he will be remembered for his parts of Richard Di Norde and Sal Andretti in Victor/Victoria.

Jack first became interested in acting when he was 14 and has a particular passion for Shakespeare.  He says it was his admiration of performances by actors such as: David Tennant, Mark Rylance, Ralph Fiennes and Alan Rickman that inspired him to act and continue his acting career at Ludlow College.  ‘I really enjoy the course at Ludlow College as it has a heavy focus on the practical side of drama but also includes vital theatrical knowledge.  We also have a number of visitors from outside companies such as Appletree who helped us with tips on improvisation.  It’s such a small college that everyone knows each other and hence there are strong bonds between staff and students; and as the classes are small there is more one to one time.’  Jack also comments, ‘I also enjoy performing at the Assembly Rooms.  Obviously the smaller stage means there’s a limit to what you can do technically, but as an actor I find you share a closer relationship with the audience and they become part of the performance, which they will definitely do this year!’

Jack is currently auditioning for RADA.  He said there was a vibrant and positive atmosphere about these auditions and both the students and staff are lovely, down to earth, and relaxed.  He has further auditions to complete between March and May before hearing how he has got on.  These are in the form of a full day workshop, which will then be followed by a performance of two monologues, one classical and one contemporary.  He says he would ideally like to train in London and act in the West End, staring in one of Shakespeare’s greatest plays of course, but he is keeping all his options open and hasn’t ruled out waiting tables in Speedy’s, whilst waiting for that big break.   As Neil Church, Head of Drama at Ludlow College, says, ‘I hope everybody will find the time to get down to the Assembly Rooms this week as we have a very talented cast, with many young hopefuls all off to Drama Schools and Universities across the country. Our rising stars of the future will be the ones you’ll be able to tell your friends I saw them in Ludlow first.’  

Return to the Forbidden Planet is on show from Thursday 23rd until Saturday 25th February, 2012 at the Ludlow Assembly Rooms.  Neil Church, Head of Drama at Ludlow College, explains, ‘Return to the Forbidden Planet takes you back to the future with a crazy, high energy blend of rock ‘n’ roll classics, B-movie sci-fi and Shakespearian verse.  So why not join Captain Tempest and his all-singing, all-dancing crew for a supernova of a night out!’

Tickets are available via the Ludlow Assembly Rooms at £7-9 on 01584 878141 or you can book online @ www.ludlowassemblyrooms.co.uk  Get your tickets now.


20th February, 2012.